To Win A War Poem by Aric Beers

He took a breath, released it, and opened his eyes
He looked out from his spot atop the building
He was at war
Around him were the sounds of fighting, the fires of battle
He lept from his perch, drawing his sword from its sheath
His friends watched as he landed among them
Sword in hand he looked around at his companions
Took a turn to look each one in the eyes
Valor, bravery, trust, even excitement
He saw these things in his friends
They all smiled, looking back at him, their leader
He looked forward
Step by step he moved toward the fight
Drawing clos he gripped his blade, strode faster
With a yell of courage he raised his blade
His enemies began to fall, none standing against him
He fought long, never stopping, never slowing
Pausing, he took a breath
He watched his friends fight, noting their strength
They fought like warriors
He smiled, raised his blade, and charged forward
That day the sun dimmed, not from smoke or shadow
It failed to outshine the gleam in his eyes
He fought with honor, with endurance, with hope
He fought for tomorrow
He fought for his friends and they fought for him
He took a breath
They would win a war